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LED vs CFL Light Globes: What Is the Difference?
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Key Takeaways
- LED is the better choice for most homes: it uses less power than a CFL globe, lights instantly and lasts longer.
- Buy by lumens, not watts: lumens tell you how bright a globe is, and watts only tell you how much power it draws.
- CFL globes contain a small amount of mercury: recycle them rather than putting them in the bin.
- Check the fitting and dimmer: enclosed fittings trap heat, and dimmers need compatible LED globes.
LED vs CFL: How They Compare
Lighting is a small but steady part of every power bill, and the globes you choose make a real difference. Two options replaced old incandescent and halogen globes: the light-emitting diode (LED) and the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).
If you are wondering about LED vs CFL, here is how they stack up. We cover how each works, what they cost to run and which one we recommend to Darwin households.
| Feature | LED | CFL globe |
|---|---|---|
| Power use | Lowest | Low |
| Time to full brightness | Instant | Warms up, often dim at first |
| Lifespan | Longest | Long, but shorter than LED |
| Mercury | None | Small amount inside |
| Dimmable | Many models, check the pack | Few models |
| Heat output | Low | Low to moderate |
What Is an LED Globe?
An LED is an electronic device that gives off light when an electric current passes through it. It makes bright light while using very little power, and it lasts much longer than older globes.
LED globes also come in many shapes, so they fit most standard fittings. They reach full brightness the moment they switch on, which suits kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas.
What Is a CFL Globe?
A CFL globe is a glass tube with a white fluorescent coating on the inside. When electricity passes through, mercury vapour gives off invisible ultraviolet light, and the coating turns that into visible white light.
This takes a moment, so CFL globes are often dim when first switched on and brighten over time. They use less power than incandescent globes and last several times longer.
Buy by Lumens, Not Watts
Watts measure how much power a globe uses, not how bright it is. Lumens measure brightness, so they are the number we compare when choosing globes.
These are common guides to the old incandescent wattage you are replacing. Check the packaging for the exact figures, because they vary by brand.
| Brightness | Old incandescent equivalent |
|---|---|
| About 450 lumens | 40W |
| About 800 lumens | 60W |
| About 1,100 lumens | 75W |
| About 1,600 lumens | 100W |
Because LED globes use far less power, a 60W equivalent LED can safely go in a fitting made for a 60W incandescent. The LED draws much less, so it will not overload the fitting.
Running Cost Comparison
The numbers below assume the light runs five hours a day, every day, at Jacana’s 2026-27 standard residential rate of 31.6788 cents per kWh including GST. Actual cost varies with how long each light is on.
| Globe | Power | Energy per year | Running cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 10W | 18.25 kWh | About $5.78 |
| CFL | 12W | 21.9 kWh | About $6.94 |
| Halogen | 50W | 91.25 kWh | About $28.91 |
| Incandescent | 60W | 109.5 kWh | About $34.69 |
One LED and one CFL are close on running cost, but the gap grows across a whole house. Swapping old halogens for LEDs is where most of the savings come from, and an LED lasts longer than a CFL, so you replace it less often.
Light Fittings, Heat and Dimmers
LED and CFL globes fit common bayonet and screw fittings. A few things can cause problems, though, so we always check before a whole box is bought.
- Small enclosed fittings can trap heat, which shortens the life of the globe
- Dimmer switches need dimmable globes, and the dimmer may need to be compatible too
- Older halogen downlights may need a driver or transformer change
- Some fittings may need replacing to suit the new globe
- Outdoor fittings need globes rated for outdoor use
If dimming is the goal, our dimmer switches and security lighting service can sort the wiring and fittings. For downlights, our guide on how to replace halogen downlight globes shows what is involved.
Recycling CFL Globes
CFL globes contain a small amount of mercury, so they should not go in the general rubbish. Take old globes to a recycling drop-off point instead. The local council can tell you where the nearest one is.
If a CFL breaks, open the windows and clean it up carefully. LED globes do not contain mercury, which is one more reason we prefer them.
Choose the Right Colour of Light
Globes also differ in colour, shown in kelvins (K) on the pack. Warm light suits living areas and bedrooms, while cooler light suits kitchens, garages and work areas.
| Colour | Typical rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Warm white | About 2,700K to 3,000K | Living rooms and bedrooms |
| Cool white | About 4,000K | Kitchens and bathrooms |
| Daylight | About 5,000K to 6,500K | Garages, workshops and security lights |
Pick one colour for each room, because mixing warm and cool globes in the same space looks uneven.
Checklist Before You Buy
A few seconds on the pack saves a return trip to the shop. Look for these details:
- Lumens, to match the brightness you need
- Base type, such as bayonet or screw
- Dimmable or non-dimmable
- Colour temperature in kelvins
- Indoor or outdoor rating
- Warranty period from the maker
Which Should You Choose?
For most Darwin homes, we recommend LED. CFL globes still work, but there is little reason to buy new ones. Our reasons are simple:
- It uses the least power of the common globe types
- It lasts the longest, so there is less replacing
- It lights instantly with no warm-up
- It has no mercury to worry about
For more ways to cut the bill, read our guide to how to save electricity at home. For a full picture of where the power goes, our energy efficiency audit is a paid service charged at our standard hourly rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LED and CFL globes?
LED globes use less power, light instantly and last longer. CFL globes are a fluorescent tube that takes a moment to warm up and contains a small amount of mercury. Both cost less to run than old incandescent or halogen globes, but LED is the better long-term choice.
Is LED cheaper to run than CFL?
Slightly. In our five hours a day example, a 10W LED costs about $5.78 a year and a 12W CFL about $6.94. The real saving is replacing old halogens, which cost several times more. LED globes also last longer, so you buy fewer.
Can I use LED globes in my existing light fittings?
Often, yes, because LED globes come in the common bayonet and screw fittings. Check enclosed fittings, which can trap heat, and make sure dimmers suit dimmable LEDs. Older halogen downlights may need a driver change. Ask us if you are unsure.
How do I dispose of CFL globes?
CFL globes contain a small amount of mercury, so do not put them in the general rubbish. Take them to a recycling drop-off point, and ask your local council where the nearest one is. LED globes contain no mercury and are easier to dispose of.
Upgrade to LED With a Licensed Darwin Electrician
Want help choosing or fitting LED lighting? Our licensed electricians can check your fittings and dimmers. Request a booking or call (08) 8983 3000.